The most user-friendly instrument among Celestron's offerings is the Collimation Eyepiece. Intended for Newtonian reflectors, it is a 1.25-inch eyepiece with a laser-engraved reticle that allows users to adjust their mirrors by giving them a precise view of the crosshair. It's particularly handy for beginners and can be utilized during the daytime, making collimation less scary and more accessible. For those who desire even greater accuracy, the Celestron Laser Collimator is a great step up. This device emits a red laser beam down the telescope's optical path so that users can make rapid and precise adjustments. The tool comes in handy when used under low light and is best for intermediate to advanced users. Just make certain that the collimator itself is aligned correctly prior to usage.
Made from strong materials, Celestron collimation instruments are designed to endure frequent use, and thus they are appropriate for amateur astronomers as well as professional astronomers. The simplicity of the instruments allows even beginners who have no prior experience in telescope maintenance to provide precise mirror alignment. Through the use of these instruments, the performance of a user's telescope is enhanced, resulting in better image quality and a more satisfying astronomical experience.
There are also collimation tools from other brands that you may consider using. They offer the same functionality and purpose. Here are a few options:
Apertura Cheshire Collimation Eyepiece
The Apertura Cheshire Collimation Eyepiece is a reliable and easy-to-use tool designed to help align the optical components of Newtonian reflector telescopes. Its primary function is to assist in accurately aligning both the primary and secondary mirrors, which is essential for achieving sharp, well-focused images. The eyepiece features a built-in sight tube and reflective surfaces that provide visual cues for mirror alignment, making the process straightforward without the need for batteries or additional equipment.
FApertura 1.25″ Laser Collimator with 45° Angled Face
The Apertura 1.25″ Laser Collimator with 45° Angled Face is a user-friendly tool designed to simplify and accelerate the collimation of Newtonian reflector telescopes. It projects a 5 mW red laser beam through a built-in angled (45°) viewing surface, allowing you to easily see where the light returns and determine if your optics are properly aligned. The angled face is particularly useful—it lets you observe the laser’s return spot without needing to shift position or climb to the secondary mirror, making fine adjustments from the back of the telescope near the primary mirror easier.
Orion LaserMate Deluxe II Laser Collimator
The Orion LaserMate Deluxe II Laser Collimator is a high-quality tool designed for fast, accurate collimation of Newtonian reflectors. Its standout feature is the “rear-view” port, which lets you remain at the back of your telescope, right next to the primary mirror controls. Making alignment much more convenient. Its compact 4" length makes it easy to store in your accessory case, and it's compatible with any 1.25″ eyepiece holder—even on fast-scoping setups like f/5—where precise alignment is critical.
Celestron 1.25" Cheshire Collimation Eyepiece
The Celestron 1.25" Cheshire Collimation Eyepiece is a highly accurate instrument meant to help amateur astronomers collimate the optical elements of their telescopes, especially Newtonian reflectors and Schmidt-Cassegrains. Having a tiny hole at one end and fine crosshairs at the other, the construction enables accurate alignment through reflections seen in the eyepiece. This is a more accurate collimation process compared to employing a simple collimation tool, providing maximum performance for the telescope.
Apertura 2" Collimation Cap
A collimation cap is one of the simplest tools available for optics alignment. It would be a shame to overlook these proper instruments because they lack features like crosshairs or light beams. Apertura understands that a basic design does not mean it should be supposed to be disposable; therefore, they constructed the 2" Collimation Cap to enhance performance and longevity. This cap's sturdy 6061 aluminum design makes it an excellent tool for collimating RC and Newtonian telescopes.
Keeping the optics properly aligned is essential for obtaining the sharpest images from a reflecting telescope, and Celestron has a range of collimation tools that make it easy for amateur and professional astronomers alike to obtain the best possible performance. Collimation is the act of setting the mirrors in a telescope so light passes directly along the optical path and produces a sharp, pinpoint image. Misaligned optics result in blurry or distorted images, which is particularly undesirable when viewing planets or trying astrophotography. Celestron's collimation accessories are made to make this process easier and more accurate for every user.
For Newtonian reflectors, perhaps the most popular tool used is the Celestron Collimation Eyepiece, featuring a sight tube and crosshair reticle to aid in centering secondary and primary mirrors. It's a basic, manual technique that's great for newbies and functions well in daylight or with a faint artificial light source. For more precision, the Celestron Laser Collimator provides a quicker and more precise technique. It shines a laser beam down the telescope's optical path, enabling rapid focusing of the primary and secondary mirrors. The return path of the beam indicates if the mirrors are in alignment or require adjustment. The device is especially handy for owners of Dobsonians who often move their telescopes in and out.
Collimation isn't just necessary for Newtonian designs alone — Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD telescopes appreciate occasional collimation adjustments as well. Though their optical setups maintain alignment, slight tuning with a star test and an Allen wrench can introduce subtle but significant gains in image acuteness. Though Celestron doesn't make a stand-alone SCT collimation tool, they offer comprehensive instructions and accessories to enable accurate visual collimation with high-magnification eyepieces.
Celestron's collimation aids are a must-have for keeping the optical accuracy of your telescope in tip-top shape. Using either a basic eyepiece or a laser collimator, periodic checks and adjustments ensure sharp, high-quality observations of the night sky. Proper collimation will allow you to view more detail in celestial objects and maximize the ability of your telescope.